Moravians of old did not follow the Amish and Anabaptist practice of physically shunning members who broke the rules of the community, which is to say the church. This is not to suggest that no one was ever asked to leave the village or town. Some few were - as a last resort. The inclination was to help guide the offender back into the way of life that befitted the Moravian Christian of old.
If an excluded person amended his or her ways they could seek readmission to the community from which they were excluded. The final step in the reconciliation process was to consult the Lord by way of the lot. If the lot agreed with the admission decision of the human tribunal the welcome back was warm and sincere.
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